Which combination describes the plasma membrane?

a. hydrophilic interior, hydrophobic exterior

b. hydrophilic interior and exterior

c. hydrophobic interior, hydrophilic exterior

d. hydrophobic interior and exterior?

Answer: C) Hydrophobic interior, hydrophilic exterior

Explanation:

The plasma membrane of the cell defines its boundary and separates its internal components from the external environment. The basic components of the plasma membrane include phospholipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol. The plasma membrane is a phospholipid bilayer, with hydrophobic tails of the phospholipid projecting inwards and the hydrophilic exterior in contact with the external environment. Due to this, the plasma membrane has a hydrophobic interior and hydrophilic exterior.